VCC Magazine Winter 2018

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2018 15 NRV Putting Passengers A Broad-based Regional Initiative For more information, visit www.nrvpassengerrail.org • Enabling future economic development opportunities • Promoting safer, more efficient travel on the I-81 corridor Passenger train travel to the New River Valley, one of Virginia’s fastest-growing regions Safe, Efficient and Convenient Passenger Rail for a Fast-Growing Region NewRiver Valley RA I L 2 0 2 0 Putting Passengers On Track Blueprint Virginia By Barry DuVal Virginia has long been blessed by a strong economy with regular recognition as the best state for business. While we have much to be thankful for, Virginia has lost its top spot in national business climate rankings in recent years. There are also areas of the commonwealth that are not enjoying the level of prosperity experienced by others due to continued economic headwinds. We must remain committed to our efforts to foster an economic climate inVirginia that promotes business investment and growth, and positions us, once again, as the best state for business. On December 1st at the Virginia Economic Summit in Williamsburg, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce released Blueprint Virginia 2025, an update to the original Blueprint Virginia that was adopted in 2013. Blueprint Virginia is a comprehensive initiative that provides business leadership, direction, and long- range economic planning for Virginia. During the past 12 months, the Chamber engaged business and community leaders from around the Commonwealth to build an action plan for strengthening Virginia’s economic competitiveness and getting Virginia back to the top of business climate rankings. More than 6,000 leaders participated in this process through an electronic survey, regional briefings, strategic partnerships, Industry Council meetings, and the Virginia Chamber’s signature annual events. The Blueprint Virginia 2025 recommendations are a plan of action to ensure the commonwealth strengthens and secures its position as a leader in the global economy. Recommendations are outlined by nine topic areas—workforce and education, business climate, transportation, health care, energy, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship, manufacturing, environment, and military and veterans affairs. Virginia’s business community is energized and aligned to work with public policy leaders. All stakeholders elevate prosperity in every part of the Commonwealth and make Virginia the best state for business once again. To learn more about Blueprint Virginia 2025, visit www.vachamber.com/advocacy/blueprint-virginia . Barry DuVal is President & CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. V